On factors affecting the flea infestation of the field vole (Microtus agrestis L.) (summary)

During a study of the population ecology of the field vole (Microtus agrestis) on an island in a lake in southern Finland in 1968 and 1969, 2078 fleas were collected from 501 voles trapped alive. The dominant species of flea were Ctenophthalmus agyrtes fennicus Peus (which constituted 37% of all fleas) and Megabothris walkeri (Roths.) (44%). Fleas were found on 75% of all voles, the average number per host being 4.15.